Newport County fell to a 2-0 away defeat to Barrow AFC on Saturday afternoon.
Goals from Theo Vassell and Elliot Newby were enough to secure all three points for the Bluebirds as they moved to the summit of League Two.
Head coach Nelson Jardim made two changes to the starting lineup that beat West Ham Under-21s in midweek. Cameron Evans and Courtney-Baker Richardson replaced Luke Jephcott and the suspended Ciaran Brennan.
County began the clash in Cumbria on the front foot, starting the game brightly with some great attacking play. A long kick from Nick Townsend was flicked into the path of Bobby Kamwa by Kyle Hudlin inside the first two minutes, but the winger was unable to unleash an effort at goal.
Looking to open the scoring in the tie, County got a free kick on the edge of the box following some good footwork by Kiban Rai. Bryn Morris took aim from range but his effort was blocked well by the Bluebirds wall.
In the 26th minute, it was the home side who made the breakthrough through Elliot Newby. After Katia Kouyate’s cross across the face of goal was met by the winger, he evaded Glennon at the back post to fire home past the outstretched Nick Townsend.
A few minutes later, Garner went close to doubling Barrow’s lead. His powerful strike was saved down low by Townsend who did well to get down so quickly.
The hosts continued to add pressure on the County defence forcing an excellent sliding block from Kieron Evans as he blocked a goalward effort from Newby. Garner did well to beat Jameson soon after where found Newby free in the box,but just as he unleashes his shot Kieron Evans slid in to block the winger.
Before the break Barrow remained on top with the majority of the possession and chances but stubborn defensive play by Newport kept the hosts at bay. Another great save by Townsend was needed to keep the Exiles in the game after Dean Campbell fired from distance.
Half Time
The Exiles started the second half brightly once again with Kamwa looking to set up Rai early on. His deep cross to the back post just missed the advancing winger.
Barrow continued to show the same attacking fluidity as they did in the first half in the second. Garner once again took on Jameson but he did well to prevent a shot as he made a last ditch block in the box.
In the 58th minute, Jardim looked to freshen up his sides attack with Cameron Antwi and Luke Jepchott entering the fray.
Kamwa once again looked to come in from his wing and beat his defender with some trickery and hit a ball into the feet of Hudlin but it is well defended and put out for a corner.
In the 83rd minute Barrow doubled their lead after sustained period of pressure on the Exiles defence. Jackson’s delivery picked out the leaping Vassell who powered home a clinical finish.
Trying to get a goal back before full time, the Amber Army looked to Kamwa to provide some creativity from the left wing. His effort after drifting inside the box was fired into a body of Barrow players, as the Exiles were defeated on the road.
Full Time
Newport County return to Sky Bet League Two action next Saturday (3pm) when they welcome Crewe Alexandra to Rodney Parade.
Barrow: Farman (C), Campbell, Spence (Telford 87’), Garner (Acquah 68’), Newby (Popov 87’), Stokes, Foley, Kouyate (Eccleston 76’), Feely, Jackson, Vassell.
Substitutes: Stanway, Worrall.
Newport County: Townsend, C.Evans, Baker, Jameson, Glennon, Morris (C), K.Evans (Greaves 75’), Kamwa, Baker-Richardson (Jephcott 58’), Hudlin, Rai (Antwi 58’).
Substitutes: Carney, Seberry, Sanca, Mawene.
Attendance: 3434 (110 away)
